During summer, there is so much to do with young kids on our small island. Swimming, having fun in playground, running around in open spaces like San Anton Gardens and Upper Barakka. It is a time where families can bond and have fun together. However, at times, parents are concerned about how to keep their little ones safe. Here are some tips:
- Keep safe at the beach: Sea side outings are fun. However, they can be very anxiety provoking for parents with young children. Keep children close to you and supervise them at all times. Make sure that any flotation device used is age appropriate and the right size for your child. Play with them in the sand and find a spot near the edge of the water so you can look out for them. Make sure they keep hydrated and put on sunblock at least every two hours. Moreover, avoid the harsh sun rays between the hours of 11am and 4pm. Keep the children under an umbrella during these times or go to the beach early morning or after 4. Keep an close eye on children who like to wonder off and explore especially in crowded beaches to avoid them getting lost.
- Avoid bee and mosquito bites: Bees are attracted to flowers so avoid fragrances or floral clothing on your children. Close up any food leftovers after eating and put away any sticky drinks. Change kids clothing if it gets stained. If a bee lands on your child keep calm and gently blow it away. If a child gets stung, remove the stinger with the edge of a credit card. Apply cold compresses and a pharmacy bought cream to avoid swelling. Unfortunately, some individuals can have a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting including difficulty in breathing, facial swelling and dizziness or fainting. If this happens seek immediate medical help as this situation can be life threatening.
- Mosquito bites can be avoided or reduced by applying a mosquito repellent to the child before leaving the house. Not all repellents are age appropriate so please ask your pharmacist before being one especially for the younger ones. If a child gets stung a simple anti-histamine cream can help relive the immediate symptoms.
It might be helpful to carry around a small first aid kit during a summer out with young children. This might include: band-aids, antibacterial gel, tweezers, gauze swabs, sterile saline solution, and an anti-histamine cream.
Be safe this summer 🙂
Anna Catania is a counsellor with Willingness. She has had a special interest in working with clients facing intimacy and sexual difficulties and runs a service for families going through cancer and chronic illness. She can be contacted on anna@willingness.com.mt